Welcome Risa to our WP Team!

WP: What do you love most about Pilates? What frustrates you most? 

Love: I love the logic of it. There is a "reason" for every movement. It’s not just exercise; it is an instruction manual for the human body. When you follow the system, the body just works. Frustrates: The fact that you never truly "master" it! Just when I think I’ve nailed an exercise, I find a deeper layer of connection that humbles me all over again. It keeps me a student forever.

WP: What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses as a Pilates student? How about as a Pilates instructor?

As a Student: My strength is my discipline—ballet taught me how to show up and work hard. However, my weakness is actually my natural strength. Because of my dance background, I can sometimes "cheat" my way through movements using my limbs rather than my center. I have to constantly check myself to ensure I am working deeply from the Powerhouse, not just relying on my flexibility or outer muscles. As an Instructor: My strength is my "clinical eye"—my rehab background helps me see skeletal alignment issues. My weakness is perfectionism. Because I truly believe in the body's capabilities, I sometimes try to make every exercise perfect in a single session. I have to remind myself to step back, be patient, and let the client layer their understanding over time.

WP: If you were trying to convince someone who has never tried Pilates before to come to your class, what would you say to them?

You don't need to be flexible or in shape to start. Pilates is the 'pre-hab' for your life. It builds the armor you need to do everything else you love—whether that’s hiking, running after kids, or just sitting at a desk—without pain.

WP: Looking back on your Pilates career, what are you most proud of? What would you say is the best thing about being a Pilates instructor?

I am most proud of the moments when clients realize they aren't defined by their injuries. I recently worked with a client managing spinal stenosis who had been struggling with pain for months despite various other treatments. By applying the specific support and alignment of the Pilates system, she found relief within just three sessions. Receiving a card telling me that Pilates has become the 'favorite part of life' is what I’m most proud of.

WP: What would your advice be to prospective Pilates instructors?

Pilates is a lifelong journey. My advice is to explore various methodologies and find what truly resonates with you. Don't hesitate to jump into certifications, because getting certified is just the starting line, not the finish line. Most importantly, remember that being an instructor is not about you—it is about sharing the greatness you have found in Pilates with the world.

WP: How did you get into Pilates? And who are you certified through? If you had a mentor, who was your mentor?

I discovered Pilates looking to manage ballet-related injuries. My mentor is Daniela Escobar (Westwood Pilates) for the work. I was certified through Balanced Body, where Tiza Wynn Riley and Roger Gonzalez-Hibner were my mentors.

WP: How did Pilates change your life?

It took me from a place of "fragility"—constantly nursing dance injuries—to a place of resilience. It gave me autonomy over my own body.

WP: What other jobs and/or hobbies do you have? Has Pilates affected your performance in these areas?

I work a full-time corporate job, so I understand the toll of sitting at a desk! Outside of work, I am an avid boxer. Pilates is my secret weapon for boxing—the power of a punch comes from the "Powerhouse" (core) and ground connection, not just the arms.

WP: If you were stranded on a desert island and you could only have one piece of equipment with you, which one would you pick?

The Spine Corrector. Nothing beats that deep chest opening and extension for the spine—it feels like the ultimate antidote to gravity. Plus, you can do a surprisingly tough full-body workout on it, from abdominals to leg work, and it doubles as a comfortable seat to watch the sunset!

WP: What’s your favorite inspirational quote?

"Patience and persistence are vital qualities in the ultimate successful accomplishment of any worthwhile endeavor." — Joseph Pilates.

WP: Do you have a Pilates joke you like to tell your clients, or saying you like to use to make them laugh or keep them upbeat?

'Don't leave your Powerhouse on the reformer! Take it with you!'

WP: What’s your favorite and least favorite Pilates exercise?

Favorite: The Snake and Twist on the Reformer. I love the combination of power, flow, and control. It feels incredibly empowering when you find the connection from the center out to the hands and feet. Least Favorite: High Bicycle on the Mat. It is relentless! Trying to keep the hips lifted and perfectly stable against gravity while the legs are moving requires so much precision—it’s the ultimate test of pelvic stability for me.

WP: What do you like the most about Westwood Pilates? And do you have any funny/interesting/remarkable story about your time at the studio so far?

What I love most about Westwood Pilates is its unyielding dedication to true Contrology. It is the most authentic form of the method I have found. Coming from a ballet background, I searched for a long time to find a studio like this. I tried many places—both Classical and Contemporary—but often left feeling unsatisfied. Either the physical challenge was missing, or I couldn't achieve that ultimate elongated, balanced feeling because the underlying ‘logic’ of the system was absent. Westwood is different. It focuses on empowering students to take ownership of their own exercises and their own bodies. On top of that, I am surrounded by highly knowledgeable instructors whom I truly admire. They are the most passionate and caring professionals in the Pilates world! In every single session, I have an 'aha moment' thanks to their expertise, and I am confident that you will feel that difference too.